A new survey shows that almost half of full-time workers in the US are choosing to stay in their current jobs. They feel that switching jobs right now is too risky. The main reason? Concerns about the weak job market and fears about AI taking over roles. Many workers prefer stability over the uncertainty of changing jobs in this climate.

Job Market Woes and Cautious Hiring

The survey, conducted by Resume Builder with 2,221 full-time US workers in August 2025, found that 48% of workers describe the job market as not very good, while 19% think it’s terrible. Only a tiny fraction, less than 1%, believe the market is good. These feelings are backed up by recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which shows a slowdown in hiring, especially in tech.

Employers are still hiring but more carefully. Instead of hiring freely, they’re focusing on key areas where growth makes sense. This shift from a “wait and see” approach to targeted hiring reflects economic uncertainty. According to Ger Doyle of ManpowerGroup, the overall labor market is cooling. There are fewer job openings, wages are growing more slowly, and it’s taking longer for workers to find new jobs.

In August, there was a boost of 247,000 new tech jobs across industries, but at the same time, some tech firms cut more than 2,300 roles. The tech unemployment rate inched up from 2.9% to 3%, with about 6.9 million people employed in core tech roles. However, the accuracy of unemployment data has been questioned because the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently revised its numbers downward significantly, overstating job gains by nearly a million jobs for the year ending in March. Critics like Victor Janulaitis say the data might be unreliable, citing issues with data collection and potential political influences.

Fear of AI and Its Impact on Job Choices

Fear of artificial intelligence is playing a big role in why workers are hesitant to switch jobs. According to Resume Builder, 77% of “job huggers” are worried that AI will make it harder to find a new role in the future. Many employees believe AI could replace their jobs or reduce job security. This concern is affecting their willingness to take risks and seek new opportunities.

A separate survey by Indeed found that over half of tech workers have been reassigned or laid off because of AI. Only 17% of tech workers are actively looking for new jobs, down from previous years. Many feel they aren’t getting enough training on AI, and a significant portion worries that AI will take over their jobs or increase workplace stress. Among younger workers, especially Gen Z, these fears are even stronger.

Despite fears, AI isn’t causing widespread job cuts across all sectors. Experts like Chris Graham from National University say that AI is transforming jobs rather than eliminating most of them. Roles are evolving, and success depends on how well workers adapt by learning new skills. While some jobs may disappear, new roles focused on AI and advanced tech are emerging, and workers who upskill may find new opportunities.

Workers Staying Put and Companies Reaping Benefits

Many employees are choosing job security over career mobility. This “job hugging” trend means workers are less likely to leave their jobs, even if they are unhappy or want more pay. Many are asking themselves, “Why change now if everything is okay?” This attitude is leading companies to focus more on keeping current staff happy and engaged instead of hiring new employees.

Experts say that this trend can benefit companies in the long run. With fewer people quitting or jumping ship, firms save money on recruitment and training. They can instead invest in developing their current staff through training and upskilling. Long-term employees can help build a stable and experienced workforce that benefits the company’s growth.

However, this cautious approach might also have downsides. According to Korn Ferry, employees planning to stay in their jobs for the next six months have the lowest perception of outside opportunities since the index began. This feeling of being trapped could lead to complacency and reduce overall workforce mobility. Still, some argue that a stable workforce allows companies to focus on internal growth and innovation.

Despite the hesitation, many workers continue to browse job listings and some are even applying or interviewing. But most say they won’t be ready to switch jobs for at least a year or longer. The overall mood is one of caution, with many preferring to protect their current position until the market improves. This reluctance to move could slow down economic recovery but also helps maintain workforce stability during uncertain times.

In summary, economic uncertainty, fears about AI, and a cautious job market are making workers hesitant to switch roles. While this trend offers stability for companies, it also raises questions about long-term career growth and innovation in the workforce. As the labor market continues to evolve, both employees and employers will need to adapt to this new cautious landscape.

Inspired by

• https://www.computerworld.com/article/4055041/half-of-workers-are-job-hugging-too-scared-to-quit.html

Sources

• gmpg.org
• bls.gov
• resumebuilder.com
• hiringlab.org
• hiringlab.org